Barrel Length for 7mm Mag

[7mmmag]

I have a 33'' barrel blank 1.25 OD and plan on putting it on single shot action chambered in 7mm Rem . I will finish it at 32 '' or so . I have had several say it will not as good as 26 or 27 . I plan on shooting 184 hybrid it has 1- 8.7 "

What barrel length would be optimal ?

 

[dminn1]

In my experience that cartridge and bullet combo can take advantage of as much barrel length as you can stand from a weight of rifle viewpoint. At 32" It will tune in at a different spot than at 26", but tune in it will provided it is a quality barrel blank with a quality chamber cut in it.

 

[rsmithsr50]

26 is the ORIGINAL bbl length for the belted magnums..hunting rifles.
and that it where it MAY apply

 

[7mmmag]

I am planning to shoot as far as I can with this combo . I had bullet mfg. tell me to cut it to 26 '' which doesn't make sense seeing 30'' + barrels on f class and eol rifles .

 

[searcher]

I tend to agree with you on going longer. Even with smaller cartridges such as 6BR, barrels often run longer than 26". The question is whether you can hope to attain higher velocity. It should allow you to use slower powder than you would normally use, though whether you can cram more of it in the case might be questionable, depending on the powder. I had a nice rifle in 7MM Rem. Mag. built on a BAT action for my "long range" hunting rifle. Going 26" made sense as I have to carry the thing around. On a bench or on the ground with that fat tube? I'd go longer, for sure, if your action is one which is "beefy" enough and has long enough of a tenon to properly support that tube.

 

[Rob01]

I would go 30-32". You will get great velocity and with a tuned load great accuracy. Mine that I traded for has a 24" but when I replace it it will have at least a 28".

Also remember you can always cut it if you find you want shorter but you can't add to a short barrel.

 

[7mmmag]

I sure was second guessing my self , I don't know why one would pay extra for the length just to cut it down ! I am going to start at 32 ''
Thank You for the replies !!
What action would be a good candidate for this build ? I will look at some Mfg at NRA at Nashville this spring.

 

[Rob01]

Defiance makes great actions. The Ruckus would be a good choice.

https://defiancemachine.com/actions/

 

[Bigjoe38922]

+1 for the Ruckus

 

[std7mag]

Heck, i'm looking at 30 inches for a 7mm-08AI barrel, why wouldn't the Rem Mag enjoy 32"?

 

[7mmmag]

I really don't know why they said that but I am glad that I will have 32'' for sure . I will probably go and get the Ruckus for this build also .
Many Thanks for the replies !
One last thought stock get McMillan or wood laminated version of Tooley ?

 

[Rob01]

You should look at Manners as well. I have a Manners T3 with their mini chassis system on my 7mmRM and love it. The mini chassis allows for bolt in and go and you have a detachable magazine.

 

[7mmmag]

That is a very nice rig !!! What kind of finish does the metal have ? I also like the self timing brake .

 

[Rob01]

Thanks. I actually traded for it so not 100% sure about the finish but it's a shiny cerakote style to look like bluing and yes that is a self timing brake. Pretty sure it's a PVA Jet Blast. The rifle shoots great too. I am glad I got it.

 

[284winner]

Keep the 32" barrel length. You paid for the barrel at the length it is so take advantage of the extra velocity that it will give you. Another advantage to the longer barrel is if you shoot out the throat, it won't hurt as much when or if you set it back a couple inches. You'll still have a 30" barrel

 

[Clcustom1911]

You'll be able to get excellent velocity with the 180+ bullets in that 32", 8.7 twist barrel. Should be able to push a 183 Matchking or 180 RDF to 2900+ without breaking a sweat with H1000, Retumbo, and the other slow burners.

 

[7mmmag]

I never shot very much H 1000 but my old rifle really liked retumbo and RL25 . I should have never sold it but the new one will be better ! I did just get a 6.5 284 for the first time and it seems that lends its self to H 1000 also . I am going to try 156 EOL in it it has 7 twist .